A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and a temporary elevation in cholesterol can be one of them, according to Dr. Howard Kurtz, an obstetrician-gynecologist at New York OBGYN and a clinical instructor of ob-gyn at Mount Sinai Medical School. There are several possible reasons for increased cholesterol during pregnancy, as well as ways to help keep cholesterol steady when you have a baby on board.
Cholesterol During Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy have an effect on cholesterol. "Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone when you're pregnant can cause cholesterol to go up," Kurtz says. Your unborn baby's need for fats is another reason for increased cholesterol during pregnancy, according to Kurtz. It's most common for cholesterol to rise in the second and third trimesters. Because cholesterol is often high during pregnancy, the Mayo Clinic indicates that women should wait until at least six weeks after giving birth to have a cholesterol test. After pregnancy, your cholesterol should return to normal. Breastfeeding will help cholesterol levels go down more quickly, Kurtz says.
Description
There are two types of cholesterol. LDL is the bad type that can cause heart disease, and HDL is the good type that helps keep the bad cholesterol from clogging arteries, according to the American Heart Association, or the AHA. Too much LDL and not enough HDL can increase your risk of heart disease later in life. However, Kurtz says that because cholesterol returns to normal after delivery, the high cholesterol during pregnancy is not typically harmful. Plus, most pregnancies occur during women's 20s and 30s, and heart disease usually develops later in life. Because most pregnant women are young, the body is able to recover from elevated cholesterol after delivery, Kurtz says.
Recommendations
A heart-healthy diet and moderate exercise during pregnancy will help prevent your cholesterol from shooting up too much. Many of the foods that are good for your developing baby will also help lower cholesterol. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods, lean meats, fish and low-fat milk is recommended by the AHA to promote healthy cholesterol levels. Moderate exercise will also help keep your cholesterol in a healthy range. The AHA says that exercise helps the body produce more HDL, or good cholesterol. Moderate exercise will also lower your blood pressure and keep your body in good physical condition in preparation for labor, Kurtz says. Consult your ob-gyn before starting an exercise program.
Caution
While eating fish is good for cholesterol and your baby, high levels of mercury can be toxic to your baby's brain. The FDA warns that pregnant women should avoid eating tilefish, king mackerel, shark and swordfish because they have high levels of mercury. The agency recommends eating two meals per week of fish or shellfish that are low in mercury. Salmon, canned light tuna, shrimp, pollock and catfish are low in mercury. People with high cholesterol often turn to garlic because it's believed to have cholesterol-lowering properties, but Kurtz says you should avoid garlic late in your pregnancy because it can keep your blood from clotting and thus cause problems during delivery. Follow your doctor's instructions to help keep your cholesterol steady and promote a healthy pregnancy.
References
- Howard Kurtz, M.D., Ob-gyn, New York OBGYN, P.C., New York City; Clinical Ob-gyn Instructor, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
- American Heart Association: About Cholesterol
- American Heart Association: Lifestyle Changes and Cholesterol
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: What Fish Should Pregnant Women Avoid?
- Mayo Clinic: Cholesterol Test
